Perth’s public speaking circuit has never been hotter in recent months, with the likes of urban strategist Charles Landry, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett having their say on Perth and the art of city making.
In the wake of their visits, the debate continues over what direction the city should take on development and who should take charge, with some in the community questioning what can be achieved without any apparent cooperation or plan between city stakeholders.
Committee for Perth chief executive Marion Fulker said Perth now needed a strategic plan to guide future development in the CBD.
Commenting on the proposed Northbridge Link and Mounts Bay foreshore projects launched recently, Ms Fulker said it was imperative that the community knew what it was getting and how each development would fit with the other.
“We need to know if the Northbridge Link is going to be the core of the inner city and what level of amenity will be provided there. If there is too much amenity there, it could detract from the foreshore,” she said.
Royal Australian Institute of Architects WA chapter president Rod Mollett said a co-ordinated strategic plan could be achieved by launching a series of public forums as a starting point.
“We know the government has an agenda, and council has an agenda but we’d like to see a little bit more cooperation and an over-arching strategy developed that’s looks at Perth as a whole and not just as precincts,” Mr Mollett said.
“Our politicians must lead with a strategy and somehow keep it rolling.”
City Vision chairman Ken Adam believes development plans in Perth are being made in vacuums without regard to the flow-on effect to other parts of the city.
“It’s the wrong approach. With the stadium, it’s ‘where’s a good place to put this?’ and the same with Perth Arena and now the WA Museum. There is no coordination.”
Keenly aware of the current barriers existing between city stakeholders, the Western Australian Planning Commission is intending to increase the depth and reach of its Central Perth Planning Committee by expanding its membership.
WAPC chairman Jeremy Dawkins said the commission would ensure that the key players involved in the centre of Perth would all be at the same table.
“The most important step, however, will be the establishment of an expert team of planners, designers and other creative people. The team will deliver proposals to the CPPC, City of Perth and State Government and implement their decisions,” he said.
